1979 FXEF Electrical Issue
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
From:
1979 FXEF Electrical Issue
Bike starts and runs great, but a few seconds after turning on the headlight the engine dies, as if the kill switch was turned off. Turn off the lights, and the bike starts right up. Turn on the lights and it's like I turned it off at the kill switch.
Where do I begin to diagnose this problem?
Where do I begin to diagnose this problem?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 7,490
Likes: 3,687
From: Santa Klaus County, Cali
You say when you turn the headlights on...as in moving the ignition swith over from the 'run' position to the 'run + lights' position. If so the first thing to check is the switch assembly. Your model is a 3 position switch?
Check to see that the wires are not bare and grounding out to the mounting plate.
Without chasing wires the easiest way to tell if the switch is bad is simply to replace it with a new one if you have an extra. (new switch no problem then you know it was the switch). If not you need a meter and a manual (diagram of your system) to see what line should/should not be 'hot' when you activate the lights.
If the switch is good then the next step would be to check the light switch assembly at your handlebars for shorts.
Check to see that the wires are not bare and grounding out to the mounting plate.
Without chasing wires the easiest way to tell if the switch is bad is simply to replace it with a new one if you have an extra. (new switch no problem then you know it was the switch). If not you need a meter and a manual (diagram of your system) to see what line should/should not be 'hot' when you activate the lights.
If the switch is good then the next step would be to check the light switch assembly at your handlebars for shorts.
Last edited by panz4ever; Oct 25, 2012 at 04:17 PM.
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
From:
1979 FXE Electrical Issue
Well, I took a good look at the ignition switch, and sure enough, one of the terminals was grounding out on the rear fender. The switch is a little loose and was turning in its mounting hole. I positioned it so it wouldn't hit the fender and all is well once again! Thanks
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
